Christians are planning to pray at ancient sites again.

It’s part of Praying the Keeills Week, which is designed to be an opportunity to explore Christian and Celtic heritage with time for walking and reflection on the Isle of Man.

A keeill is an early Christian chapel dating from before the introduction of the parochial system in the 12th century.

Many are ruins.

The week takes place from May 18 to 25.

Saturday, May 18

10am Service of welcome for the beginning of Praying the Keeills week at Ballaugh New Church, Station Road, Ballaugh, IM7 5AQ (Map ref SC 344 939).

Following the service, all day walk from Ballaugh School via Orrisdale, the coastal footpath and to St Nicholas’s Chapel, Bishopscourt, Kirk Michael, IM6 2EZ (Map ref SC 328 923) for a service at 2pm.

Return to Ballaugh. Both services open to all - not only for those walking.

Participants are advised to take a packed lunch and drinks. They will be walking mostly on country roads and footpaths and should wear stout footwear and clothing appropriate to the weather.

Circular walk of six miles; about 4.5 hours including stops.

Sunday, May 19:

3pm An afternoon for all ages through two linked events. Keeills Family Day: Messy Church and Godly Play at Sulby Methodist Church, IM7 2HR (Map ref SC 380 943).

Monday, May 20:

10:30am Meet at St Adamnan’s, Lonan IM4 6AQ (Map ref SC 424 793) and following visit travel by car to Agneash Methodist Chapel and on to the Salmon Lake Centre IM4 7NL (Map ref SC 431 851) for lunch at about 1pm.

7.30pm talk at Promenade Methodist Church, Douglas, IM1 2EQ (Map ref SC 382 756) by author Rev Prof Ian Bradley on Myths of Celtic Spirituality, and their relevance to the 21st century.

Tuesday, May 21:

6.30pm Meet at Sulby Reservoir car park (Map ref SC 373 890). Bring own food; hot drinks will be available. Evening walk to Corrody well and keeill. Distance two miles.

Wednesday, May 22:

7pm prompt departure for a coach trip.

Leave from Promenade Methodist Church, Douglas, IM1 2EQ (Map ref SC 382 756) and finishing with light supper.

Tour will include a visit to St Mary’s RC Church, Castletown.

Cost £14 to include supper at Port St Mary Methodist Church (Mount Tabor). Limited numbers so booking essential.

Cheques should be sent to Promenade Methodist Church, and a stamped self-addressed envelope, to ’Praying the Keeills Week’ c/o Foxon, 39 Droghadfayle Road, Port Erin, IM9 6EN. (Tel 833154).

Tickets will be posted out during the first week of May.

Thursday, May 23:

2pm Afternoon walk. Meet at Glen Mooar car park (Map ref SC 304 893) and walk to Spooyt Vane and Cabbal Pherick/St Patrick’s Chapel for prayer and reflection then return via Glen Wyllin to Glen Mooar. Distance four miles.

Friday, May 24:

70pm Meet at Glen Maye Methodist chapel IM5 3BB (Map ref SC 236 798) for refreshments: cash donations towards these welcome.

No dogs on this walk by request from a landowner. Walk to Raby Farm and the site of Raby keeill.

Wear stout footwear and clothing appropriate to the weather. Distance two miles (up and down a steep track).

About 10pm opportunity for those who wish to continue walking till late. Bring your own torches or head torches.

Saturday, May 25:

10am All day walk to the Braaid, Old St Runius and St Patrick’s Chair. Meet at Chibbanagh plantation car park (Map ref SC 324 763).

Walk to the Braaid Celtic and Norse site, Old St Runius about noon for reflection and a lunch break, St Patrick’s chair and back to Chibbanagh Plantation.

No dogs on this walk by request from a landowner.

Bring a packed lunch and drinks.

Walking on footpaths and country roads. Wear stout footwear and clothing appropriate to the weather. Circular walk distance seven miles; 4-5 hrs with lunch stop.

There will be racing on the Billown circuit this day.